The Sky Blues against The Tractor Boys, The Foxes versus The Rams, and More EFL League Updates
Welcome for a full night of EFL and continental football action. The spotlight falls on important second-tier clashes plus the pivotal last pool games in this Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Introduction
Oh, hi folks. Welcome to what is arguably the second-to-last soccer clockwatch of 2025. We have an extensive EFL programme, kicking off with Ipswich's trip to Coventry at 6pm, while we’ll also be keeping a close watch on the two evening games from Group A at the Africa Cup of Nations: Zambia against the hosts Morocco as well as Comoros v Mali.
We'll be focussing on the following matches, with 7.45pm kick-offs unless stated.
Afcon 2025
- The Coelacanths v The Eagles (7pm)
- Zambia v The Atlas Lions (7pm)
Second Division Matches
- The Sky Blues versus The Tractor Boys (6pm)
- The Foxes versus Derby
- Boro versus The Tigers
- Millwall versus Bristol City
- Wrexham v Preston
Third Tier Fixture
- The Bluebirds versus Boro
Latest Team News
Coventry v Ipswich Team News
The evening's opener, between the teams who are top and third in the second tier, promises to be a cracker. Here are the starting elevens.
Coventry (4-2-3-1) The goalkeeper; van Ewijk, Woolfenden, the defender, Brau; Torp, Grimes; the winger, Rudoni, the forward; Wright.
Subs: Wilson, the midfielder, Simms, the defender, the full-back, Latibeaudiere, the midfielder, Perry, the player.
Ipswich Town (4-2-3-1) Walton; Furlong, the centre-half, the defender, the left-back; Matusiwa, the midfielder; the attacker, Nunez, the winger; Azon.
Substitutes: The goalkeeper, the defender, the midfielder, the defender, Cajuste, Burns, McAteer, the attacker, the striker.
Referee Backhouse (Cumbria).
Africa Cup of Nations: First Group Permutations
The situation is complex. It always is where only some third-placed teams qualify. Here’s how things look before tonight’s final set of games.
- Morocco 4pts, GD+2
- The Eagles 2pts, 0 goal difference (with 2 goals for)
- Zambia 2 points, GD0 (with 1 goal for)
- The Coelacanths 1pt, GD-2
To summarize, Morocco are probably fine but will want to defeat Zambia and win the group. Zambia probably need at least a point against the hosts. The island nation likely need to overcome their rivals, who will probably be okay if they get a point.
A host of potential results and permutations.
Egypt's Match with Angola Latest
The conclusion to the second group at the continental championship is being covered. For those wishing to remain unaware, avoid following that coverage.
Championship Standings Snapshot
| Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coventry | 23 | 31 | 51 |
| 2 | Middlesbrough | 23 | 9 | 43 |
| 3 | Ipswich | 23 | 15 | 38 |
| 4 | Hull | 23 | 2 | 38 |
| 5 | Preston North End | 23 | 7 | 37 |
| 6 | Bristol City | 23 | 7 | 36 |
| 7 | Millwall | 23 | -6 | 36 |
| 8 | Watford | 23 | 4 | 35 |
| 9 | QPR | 23 | -2 | 35 |
| 10 | Stoke | 23 | 7 | 34 |
| 11 | Derby | 23 | 1 | 32 |
| 12 | Southampton | 23 | 4 | 31 |
| 13 | Wrexham | 23 | 2 | 31 |
| 14 | Leicester | 23 | -1 | 31 |
| 15 | Birmingham | 23 | 1 | 30 |
| 16 | West Brom | 23 | -5 | 28 |
| 17 | Charlton | 22 | -6 | 27 |
| 18 | Blackburn | 22 | -4 | 26 |
| 19 | Sheff Utd | 23 | -5 | 26 |
| 20 | Swansea | 23 | -7 | 26 |
| 21 | Oxford Utd | 23 | -8 | 22 |
| 22 | Portsmouth | 22 | -10 | 22 |
| 23 | Norwich | 23 | -9 | 21 |
| 24 | Sheff Wed | 22 | -27 | -8 |
